‘Fear and Menace Altering Politics: We’ll See You at Your House’

TL/DR –

Physical threats to public officials in America have escalated, with the U.S. Capitol Police investigating over 8,000 threats to Congress members last year, an increase of more than 50% since 2018. Such threats have led some public officials to alter their manner of work, avoid controversial issues, and even leave public service. Violence and threats of violence have also been fueled by social media, where users can easily spread misinformation, conspiracy theories, and target public employees anonymously, further escalating the hostility against public officials.

Increasing Political Violence and Threats Against U.S Officials

Last month, Jamie Raskin, a Democratic congressman from Maryland, was in court securing a protective order, an experience he’s become familiar with as a high-profile figure in Donald Trump’s second impeachment hearing. Due to his political role, Raskin receives a monthly average of about 50 threats which are handled by the Capitol Police.

Hazardous confrontations with the public are becoming an increasingly common part of being a government official in the U.S. Recent weeks have seen bomb threats closing libraries in cities like Durham, Reading, Lancaster and even disrupting courthouse operations in Franklin County. An activist in Bakersfield also threatened City Council members during a protest against the war in Gaza.

Such incidents are part of a growing trend indicating an undercurrent of violence and physical risk in American public life. Threats and harassment have become a norm for public officials, often aided by the anonymity of online platforms that propagate extreme political views. According to the United States Marshals Service, threats against federal judges have seen an approx 150 percent increase since 2019, and threats to Congress members have increased by over 50 percent since 2018. The U.S Capitol Police recently added three full-time prosecutors to manage this escalating issue.

Heightened Climate of Intimidation

A 2021 survey by the National League of Cities revealed that more than 80 percent of local officials had been threatened or harassed. Ronald L. Davis, director of the U.S. Marshals Service, voiced concerns about the increasing risks faced by not just public servants, but also their families. Although actual instances of these threats turning into violent actions remain relatively rare, they have been on the rise and often garner national attention, further stirring up fear and tensions.

Online platforms have played a significant role in amplifying anonymous outrage, spreading misinformation, and even turning obscure public figures into potential targets. According to a recent Princeton analysis, nearly three-quarters of all threats are not made in person, making it difficult for law enforcement to identify the source. Technology has also facilitated other forms of anonymous harassment such as “swatting” and “doxxing,” further increasing the risks faced by public officials.

Political violence has always been part of American politics, yet researchers see the internet as a new catalyst. The abuse and threats have changed how public officials do their jobs, deterred some from seeking public office, and even led to increased turnover among election workers.

Political Violence Task Force

The FBI, in response to the alarming increase in threats and violence against public servants, has formed a new task force focusing on political violence. The task force will aim to investigate and prosecute the rising number of threats against politicians, election workers, and other public officials. The intensive effort reflects a new reality in which social media platforms have become a breeding ground for extremism, misinformation, and potential violence.

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